What is Dyscalculia?
Dyscalculia is thought to affect around 5-6% of children. While it is a lifelong condition with no cure, personalised teaching strategies, patience, and understanding can make a significant difference.
Dyscalculia is a specific learning disorder (SLD) that affects a person's ability to understand numbers, learn number facts, and perform basic mathematical operations. It is a neurodevelopmental condition that exists independently of intelligence and impacts an individual’s ability to develop number sense, comprehend place value, and apply mathematical reasoning. For children with dyscalculia, learning maths can be particularly challenging, often resulting in frustration, avoidance, and anxiety.
Much like reading relies on understanding letters and their sounds, mathematics builds upon core concepts like counting, ordering, and recognising patterns. When these foundations are shaky, more complex maths becomes difficult. Dyscalculia can have a lasting impact on school performance and self-confidence, but with early intervention and targeted support, children can thrive.
Signs of Dyscalculia
Recognising dyscalculia early can help provide the right support. Common signs include:
Poor number recognition and difficulty understanding number values (e.g., confusion about the size difference between 3 in 30 and 300).
Counting on fingers beyond the expected age.
Struggling with simple calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Difficulty recalling basic maths facts (e.g., 4 + 4 = 8).
Poor number sense – difficulty estimating quantities, understanding sequences, and recognising patterns.
Inconsistent problem-solving ability – may solve a problem one day and struggle with the same problem the next.
Difficulty reading charts, graphs, and understanding measurements.
Challenges telling time or understanding calendars.
Avoidance of maths-related tasks.
Anxiety or frustration related to mathematics.
It’s important to remember that not all maths difficulties are due to dyscalculia. Attention difficulties, anxiety, or gaps in teaching can also contribute.
What Causes Dyscalculia?
The causes of dyscalculia are not yet fully understood, but research suggests that it may be linked to genetic factors and brain differences that affect how numerical information is processed.
How is Dyscalculia Diagnosed?
If you’re concerned about your child’s progress in maths, start by discussing it with their teacher. If difficulties persist after at least six months of targeted maths instruction and support, it may be time to seek a formal assessment.
A psychologist can assess for dyscalculia through cognitive and educational testing. Before booking an assessment, consult your GP or paediatrician to rule out other factors such as vision or hearing issues.
A comprehensive dyscalculia assessment includes:
Developmental and Family History: Understanding educational background and any learning difficulties in the family.
Cognitive Assessment: Testing memory, processing speed, and reasoning abilities.
Educational Assessment: Evaluating reading, writing, spelling, and mathematics skills.
Observations and Reports: Reviewing school reports and possibly classroom observations.
The psychologist will provide a detailed report outlining your child’s strengths and challenges and offer recommendations for home and school support. Sometimes the report will specify a diagnosis of dyscalculia; in other cases, it may refer to an SLD with impairment in mathematics.
Supporting Children with Dyscalculia
There is no cure for dyscalculia, but the right support makes a huge difference. Children with diagnosed learning disorders are entitled to adjustments and accommodations under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992.
Effective intervention focuses on:
Number Sense Development: Building understanding and relationships between numbers.
Counting Strategies: Teaching step-by-step counting methods.
Procedural Knowledge: Helping children learn and remember the steps needed to solve problems.
Math Facts: Supporting automatic recall of simple maths facts.
School-based strategies include:
Developing an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) with clear goals.
Using visual supports like number lines, charts, and worked examples.
Providing hands-on learning with counters, blocks, and other manipulatives.
Allowing the use of calculators or maths apps.
Offering additional time in tests and step-by-step instructions for complex
If you think your child is finding maths challenging, or if you’re a parent, caregiver, whānau or teacher looking for guidance, get in touch with us at CEPS. We’d love to support your journey.
Cambridge Educational Psychology Services
Freephone: 0800 730 700
Mobile: 021 730 700
Email: enquiries@ceps.co.nz
Emergency Support Contacts
CEPS does not provide crisis support services. For any life-threatening emergencies, please dial 111.